Defense mechanisms and quality of life of medical students according to graduation phase.

Objectives: To compare health-related quality of life (QoL) of medical students in initial and final phases of the program, and to evaluate the association between ego defense mechanisms and specific health-related QoL domains within each group.

Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional study. Quality of life was assessed according to the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument - Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-Bref); anxiety and depression symptoms were evaluated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS); defense mechanisms were assessed using the Defense Style Questionnaire (DSQ-40).